Illinois lawmakers look to define compulsive gambling as substance abuse

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The Illinois Senate has passed a new bill that seeks to classify all forms of compulsive gambling in the state as substance abuse by amending the Substance Use Disorder Act.

According to reporting by WCIA.com, Senate Bill (SB 0118) was sponsored by Senators Julie Morrison, Laura Murphy, Willie Preston, and House Representative Daniel Didech. It has been referred to the Illinois House Rules Committee.

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“Gambling releases dopamine and can quickly escalate from a fun pastime to a serious issue,” Morrison told WCIA.com. “By recognizing gambling disorder as a health condition, we are breaking down barriers to treatment and recovery.”

If the bill passes into law, gambling disorders will be recognized under the Substance Use Disorder Act, giving the Illinois Department of Human Services the authority to create treatment and prevention programs to help people suffering from the disorder.

According to a statewide study carried out by the Illinois Department of Human Services in 2021, 3.8% of Illinois adults said that they had experienced problems with gambling, and a further 7.7% said that they were at risk of developing a gambling disorder.

“When gambling gets out of hand, it can have a snowball effect on a person’s life,” added Morrison. “It’s important that a system of care is in place to support individuals without judgment as they recover.”